Authentic deception

Pakistan is notoriously fertile in producing multifarious pirated stuff ranging from books to CDs to DVDs. Copyright has no place in this country. The most famous painter in Pakistan, the late Sadeqain and his art work are also a victim of this evil practise. An exhibition of his pirated work, labelled as original, was held at Lahore Pearl Continental Hotel some time back and this happened with the knowledge and connivance of the Chairman of the Hashoo group. The CM Punjab was invited as the chief guest to lend credence to and this unauthentic misdoing. A news item appeared in a national English language daily on January 16, 2014 wherein startling disclosures about the forgery were made by a former IG police, who is also a proud owner of some of the original works of the great artist. Will some authority related to paintings or descendants of the artist take notice of this daylight robbery and stop such practices in future?DR. SHAHID QAYYUM, Lahore, January 18.